Flight attendants share the items they never travel without
by Emma Stanford
Flying carry-on only certainly has its perks. No waiting at the baggage carousel, or in the line to check in your case, and little risk your bag will be lost in transit.
Some people even go on months-long trips with just a carry-on bag.
But when you can take just a few items to have at your fingertips, deciding what will take up precious real estate in your hand luggage can be stressful.
Who better to ask for tips than those who are in the skies every day?
Stuff Travel asked some Air New Zealand flight attendants about what's in their carry-on bags - including one item they never leave home without.
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Flight attendants are certainly the experts when it comes to air travel. Getty
Christchurch-based Verity Rice said flight attendants never fly without mints, "or some sort of breath-freshening agent that isn't gum," as well as perfume or cologne.
She said the contents of her carry-on bag for work each day varied but her staples are:
- Lipsticks
- A hand mirror "to check for teeth invaders"
- Devices and their chargers
- A hi viz vest and ear protection
- Snacks such as protein bars, muesli bars, nuts, dried fruit
- Cutlery set
- Airport and employer-issued IDs
- Panadol
- Hand cream
- Lip balm
- Coffee sachets
- Hairspray and bobby pins
- Watch
- Pens
- Headphones or earbuds (for personal travel)
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"Some crew are a lot more organised," she said, "with essentials for reapplying a face of makeup and brushing their teeth and hair should an unscheduled overnight occur.
"I'm not that organised, but it's a wise move!"
Many flight attendants pack snacks to get them through their shifts. Getty
Kate Thompson, a flight attendant turned trainee pilot, always takes headphones and an e-reader "so if there's ever delays, I can just sit and read for a while."
Thompson also takes items in case of an unexpected nights' stay, with a spare change of clothes, makeup and toiletries and her hi-viz jacket.
In-flight service manager Ben Whatman has flown with the airline since 2014, and told Stuff Travel he takes a travel wallet, face mist, lens cleaner and eye spray.
"Your eyes can also get dry and irritated. I always make sure to pack Optrex ActiMist, which is especially great for contact lens wearers like me."
Face mist and eye drops are great for preventing dehydration. Getty
Just as those who work on the ground take their lunch to work, so too do cabin crew.
Rice said she usually takes last night's leftovers, or a salad from a takeaway place. When in a pinch, instant oats and homemade smoothies.
Muesli bowls with yoghurt and fruit are popular amongst the crew, she said.
As a passenger, you can tap into the recommendation of instant oats. Bring your own sachet in a tupperware container, and ask cabin crew for some hot water.
A pack of 12 is $3.30 at Coles - much cheaper than buying a $20 breakfast at the airport.
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Passengers can bring their own instant oatmeal bowls and ask crew for hot water, too. Getty
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Do you swear by certain must-have items when you fly? Drop us an email at travel@nine.com.au and you may be featured in our 9Travel Tips series.
